ABOUT ACRES
ACRES — Africa’s Clinical Research Ecosystem Summit is an annual platform created to strengthen clinical research capacity, workforce development, collaboration and participation across Africa.
Founded and organized by United Clinical Trials Support Services (UCTSS), ACRES brings together students, emerging and established professionals, clinical researchers, investigators, healthcare professionals, research institutions, universities, sponsors, CROs, regulators and other stakeholders within one ecosystem.
To contribute to a stronger, more representative and sustainable clinical research ecosystem in Africa.
To create an annual platform that connects students, emerging professionals, established professionals, clinical researchers, investigators, research institutions, sponsors, CROs, regulators, academia and other stakeholders to build capacity, exchange knowledge, create opportunities and strengthen Africa’s contribution to clinical research.
OUR JOURNEY
The ACRES journey began with UCTSS’s Clinical Research Workshop at the University of Abuja. 400+ Attendees · 5 Speaker Panels · 9 Learning Hours · 20+ Disciplines Represented · 10 Group Presentations · 3 Winning Teams
Participants explored: Clinical research careers · Ethics and regulation · Drug development · Data and technology · Research processes · Career pathways
The workshop also included expert presentations, interactive discussions and a team-based challenge where participants identified gaps and proposed solutions relevant to Nigeria’s clinical research landscape.
THE CONVENER
ACRES is being developed to help address an important gap within the ecosystem: the need for stronger spaces where people across different disciplines, career stages and organizations can come together to learn, connect, collaborate, participate and discover opportunities.
Clinical research contributes to better healthcare, scientific advancement and professional development.
For Africa to play a stronger role in shaping global clinical research, the ecosystem needs more than opportunities alone. It requires people who understand how to participate, professionals with relevant skills and experience, institutions prepared to support research, and stronger relationships between the people and organisations working across the field.
ACRES creates a platform where these groups can come together, exchange knowledge, build relationships, collaborate and contribute to the future of clinical research in Africa.
PARTICIPATION OPEN
ACRES 2026 brings together students, emerging and established professionals, researchers, investigators, institutions, industry and other stakeholders to explore the people, skills, opportunities and collaborations required to strengthen Africa’s role in clinical research.
Key areas of focus for the 2026 edition include:
Workforce Development · Clinical Research Capacity · Investigator Development · Ethics & Regulation · Industry, Academia & Collaboration · Data & Technology · Participant & Community Engagement · African Representation
